AN: Pending life or work getting in the way. I'm just going to move to weekly updates on Sundays. I have plenty of room to finish this story without catching up to my progress even if I get busy. Keep the comments or messages coming and let me know what you all think. They really help, since sometimes I honestly don't even see some of the future potential holes you guys bring up in comments or questions. Hope everyone had a good week and enjoy the next chapter!
Chapter 10 - Good Advice
Siri was relieved when Adi had been called to the Council and she'd been told it was a closed session, meaning she would not be present. The last month had involved constantly being on the run, protecting a young prince who was being targeted after his parent's murder. They'd had to deal with bounty hunters and political extremists while balancing an arrogant young man who thought he was the greatest thing to grace the universe.
She couldn't wait to get back to her quarters and freshen up with a nice long soak. Afterwards, she would see if any of her friends were around to meet up for dinner.
"Hey, Siri!"
Siri stopped her walk, and turned around, smiling as one of her friends found her first.
"Hey, Garen," Siri replied, as her friend caught up to her.
"Glad to see you made it back in one piece . . . though just barely," Garen finished with a smirk taking in her frazzled and worn appearance.
"Yes, I look a mess, but we can't all be as obsessed with our looks as you are," Siri quipped back, causing Garen's smirk to widen into a grin.
"That's just because you all fall so short of the standard I set," Garen replied sagely and Siri chuckled, shaking her head in amusement. "Have you seen Obes yet?" Garen asked, his countenance falling, and Siri felt some concern override her mirth, wondering what might have happened.
"No," Siri said with a shake of her head. "I just returned, and I haven't seen or heard from anyone, let alone Obi-Wan since I left. Last I saw him, he was heading back to Naboo with Master Qui-Gon to protect the Naboo Queen."
Garen's face fell a bit more. "Master Qui-Gon became one with the Force during that mission."
Siri felt like she had just been punched in the gut at those words, and the face of the wise maverick Jedi filled her memory, and she felt grief well up, knowing she wouldn't see him again, but that grief quickly spread to sorrow for Obi-Wan.
"What happened?" she asked sadly.
"You heard about the possible Sith Warrior they encountered before they returned to Naboo?" Garen asked and Siri nodded, trepidation and regret rising inside her. "Obi-Wan and Master Qui-Gon ended up encountering him again while the Naboo people were attempting to capture the Trade Federation's Viceroy. He . . . he defeated Master Qui-Gon."
Siri felt shock fill her mind. Qui-Gon had been one of the best blade masters in the Order, having been trained extensively by Master Dooku. How terrible could this warrior have been to fell such a powerful Jedi?
"What happened to Obi-Wan?" Siri asked, fear and worry filling her voice, as she felt a desire to run off and find him with their bond.
Pride filled Garen's eyes. "He fought and defeated the Sith Warrior. He slew him in combat after Qui-Gon was defeated."
Siri felt some of the concern fall away knowing he had been at least capable of moving, but Garen hadn't told her anything to lose her concern over his well-being.
"Was he okay?" Siri asked, impatience now entering her voice.
"Yes, yes," Garen said, seeing that Siri's nerves were already frayed from exhaustion from her mission, and that he wasn't helping matters. "He was healthy, physically . . . though, I'm sure you can guess how Qui-Gon's death has affected him."
Siri could imagine. Those two had one of the stronger Master-Padawan bonds in the Order, and Obi-Wan was ever the type of person to want to lay down his own life instead of losing someone he cared for. The loss must have destroyed him.
"How is he doing?" Siri asked hurriedly, worried that he was shoving people away and wallowing in his grief.
"Much better than expected," Garen said honestly. "Master Shan has been around the whole time, and I think he's been helping him behind closed doors, providing the needed support. Throw in that he was Knighted and already has a Padawan, and I think that he's been managing to slowly overcome his grief just by dealing with it in what little time he's not busy."
"Obi was Knighted?" Siri asked, joy for her friend, filling her, though she was sad at how the happy event had been tainted by sorrow. She also thanked the Force that Kastor had been there to help Obi-Wan. He was on a short list of people that she was sure could actually help him. "He has a Padawan?"
"Yes, yes," Garen said with a grin. "He was Knighted by the Council while still on Naboo, and he's taken that boy that Qui-Gon brought back as his apprentice. Anakin Skywalker."
"I thought the Council wouldn't train Skywalker?" Siri asked.
"It was Qui-Gon's last wish," Garen said solemnly. "His dying words to Obi-Wan as he held him were for him to train the boy. Regardless of whether the Council approved or not, Obi-Wan said he would train young Skywalker."
Siri sighed. So much had changed in just a short month. What a terrible time for her to have been gone.
"I should go see him," Siri muttered.
"Maybe after you clean yourself up first," Garen said with a chuckle. "Unless you want him running for the hills in fear at the sight of you."
Siri scowled at Garen, causing her friend's chuckle to turn into a booming laugh.
"Oh, quit laughing. You're not that funny," Siri said with a roll of her eyes. "I'll go clean up and then I'll go check in with Obi-Wan. Besides, with a Padawan, he might not even have time to see me."
"Anakin is a handful too," Garen said, mirth still in his eyes. "Good kid. Very bright, but oh Force is he energetic. He's going to run Kenobi ragged."
Siri smiled at that. "Good, if anyone deserves that, it's him."
Garen chuckled in agreement.
"I'll let you get to it then, and I'm sure I'll see you around," Garen said, waving his hand in an informal goodbye before turning and walking back the direction he had come from.
Siri watched him leave for a moment before she continued on her way. The hot bath she took after reaching her quarters was truly a gift from the Force, and she finally felt the tension in her muscles from the mission leave her body as well as the cold from her bones.
After her bath, she went to the dining facility, hoping she might run into Obi-Wan, but as she grabbed a tray, she didn't see nor Sense him anywhere in the room. She was late for an evening meal though, so she didn't honestly expect to see him, merely hoped. She focused on their bond for the first time since she returned, and she could tell that he was likely in his quarters, based on the direction she Sensed him in.
"Obi-Wan had a very busy day, so I doubt he finds the energy to come down here for dinner," a voice broke her thoughts, and she turned to see Kastor smiling at her.
"Master Kastor," Siri greeted with a wide smile. "It's good to see you."
"It is very good to see you as well," he replied. "Join me for dinner?"
"Of course, Master," Siri answered happily, and she followed him over to a table.
"What made Obi-Wan's day so busy?" Siri asked with interest.
"Oh, what with his new found fame as a Sith killer, Master Drallig is determined to improve poor Obi-Wan's skills until he can match anyone. Add all the work he's trying to do himself to make sure he's prepared to handle a Padawan, honing his own Force abilities, and of course actually dealing with Anakin, and he's being run ragged nearly every day," Kastor finished with a smirk. "It doesn't help that Anakin decided all the maintenance droids needed an upgrade, which naturally shut them down while they were improved on. The Council decided all the cleaning the droids weren't doing could be done by young Skywalker and Obi-Wan as a thank you for the initiative."
Siri laughed at the thought of an Obi-Wan fresh from a beating from "the Troll" having to then start sweeping and mopping floors and cleaning windows.
"How have you been?" Kastor asked her after they'd both taken their seats. "Adi said the mission was quite rough at times."
"It was at times," Siri admitted, feeling some peace come to her, back in the familiar situation of letting out her stresses to the ancient Jedi. This had become a familiar ritual for them whenever they were at the Temple together and even on some occasions when Siri felt the need to get guidance from someone other than Adi and had commed Kastor wherever he was.
"So, tell me about it," Kastor said easily, and Siri did, unloading all the frustrations that had come in the last month, and in turn Siri got to hear about Kastor's part in the Naboo crisis and all that had occurred after.
"I still can't believe how much changed in just a short week, let alone in the month I've been gone," Siri muttered, and Kastor chuckled ironically.
"Change is life," Kastor said with a shrug. "Sometimes it's as slow as a bantha and other times it moves at hyperspeed. All we can do is try to adapt when it occurs. I know you wish you could have been there for Obi-Wan, but you can be there now. He's had many friends and other Masters checking in on his well-being, and he hasn't gone without. I'm sure he would love to see you though, and perhaps you can help him with the last hurdle to truly move past his guilt."
"Did you experience this, in your original time?" Siri asked. She'd long since gotten over worrying about whether these types of personal questions bothered the ancient Master, since he never hesitated to answer, and had confided that while the memories sometimes were sad, he was still glad that he could remember them.
"Oh, several times," Kastor said with a sigh. "My wife and I certainly teamed up when we could, and Force knows we did so against the Council's wishes at times, but we also had our fair share of missions apart, and there were plenty of losses we took without each other. However, I'd say the event I wish I could have been there for Elena the most, happened after I was frozen."
Siri felt realization hit her as she knew what he was talking about. "The birth of your daughter. . ."
"Yes, I really wish I could have been there for that," Kastor said softly. "I can't fix that, but I can try and be there for my new family, when they need me."
His eyes looking at her told her the unspoken words, and she felt warmth rise up, looking at her friend and mentor.
"I'll do my best, Master, to do the same," she responded determinedly.
"I know you will," he said with a soft smile before his smile faded. "Enjoy this time with him. You never know when the next time will be."
"Master?" Siri asked, surprised by the sudden change in tone.
"Just trying to pass on some wisdom," Kastor said with a partially strained smile.
Siri nodded slowly, but she wasn't fully convinced. With their meals finished, Siri decided it was time to visit Obi-Wan, and bid Kastor a goodnight which he returned with his normal demeanor, though she was still a bit worried about him.
Siri made her way to Obi-Wan's quarters, Sensing him there and felt a smile appear on her face as she knocked on his door. It was only a moment before the door opened and there he was, looking tired, but with a wide smile on his face, only a hint of grief in his eyes.
"Siri," he said softly, and her smile widened as she stepped forward and met him in a fierce hug.
"Obi, I'm so sorry," she whispered and his hold on her tightened.
"It's been hard," he said, finally pulling back, "but I'm getting a little better each day," he said with a soft smile.
Siri glanced into his blue-grey eyes, looking for any hint of deceit while she probed their bond, but she only felt the truth, so she nodded slowly. He grinned at her probe, and gestured her into the quarters.
"Care for some tea?" he asked, as she took a seat on his sofa.
"As long as it's none of Qui-Gon's experimental stuff," Siri said with a chuckle, before wincing realizing that she shouldn't have brought up Qui-Gon.
Her worry was for not as Obi-Wan chuckled.
"No, I wouldn't subject anyone to that sithly stuff," Obi-Wan said, as he pulled out a box with tea leaves and then paused, "Except maybe Quinlan," he said with a chuckle. "Don't worry about bringing up Qui-Gon," he said, glancing at her with a knowing grin. "It was hard at first, but I'm trying to model myself a bit off Kastor. Talking about him reminds me of the good times and helps keep his memory alive."
Siri nodded and smiled softly, and then chose to observe him as he put the kettle on the stove. It was a pleasant silence as Obi-Wan finished preparing the tea and brought her over a mug before taking a seat next to her on the sofa.
"So, how was your mission?" Obi-Wan asked. "You were sent to Selonia, correct?"
"That's correct," Siri confirmed. "Adi and I were tasked with protecting a young prince, now the new ruler of Selonia, and I swear, by the end of the mission, I wanted to kill him myself."
Obi-Wan grinned. "Ah, there's the patient and completely gentle Siri Tachi I know."
"Even your patience would have been tested after the nerfherder you were protecting basically demanded that you have sex with him to make up for the inconvenience of having to be protected."
Obi-Wan's eyes widened in surprise, but his grin didn't falter. "Well, I guess it would really depend on who we're talking about."
Siri's eyes narrowed at him, though inside she enjoyed seeing that he was still able to joke around.
"Well, unfortunately, this man did not look like Quinlan Vos," Siri said commiseratingly, as Obi-Wan's eyes narrowed, but she could see him fighting off a grin.
"Well, not everybody received his devilishly handsome looks, I'm afraid," Obi-Wan said sorrowfully and Siri chuckled at his charade.
Siri leaned forward and brought her hand up to Obi-Wan's cheek. "I don't know. You turned out pretty good to me."
He smiled and leaned in to her touch. "Good. We can't all be Quinlan Vos."
Siri grinned and then removed her hand and relaxed back into the sofa. "If it makes you feel better. He demanded that I sleep with him after Adi refused."
"Well, that just shows what poor judgment that he had," Obi-Wan said and Siri's grin widened as she fought off a blush.
"Flatterer," she replied.
"So, other than wanting to kill the client you were duty bound to protect, how was your month?" Obi-Wan asked.
Siri relaxed further and continued to talk about the good and bad things that occurred over her mission, enjoying the comfort that came from being in Obi-Wan's presence. After she'd said everything she felt like sharing, with occasional commentary from Obi-Wan, she finally turned the conversation back to him.
"So, I hear you have a very energetic new Padawan?" she asked with a grin.
Obi-Wan groaned and rubbed his hands through his hair.
"Energetic is a kind way to describe him," Obi-Wan said tiredly. "I keep telling myself that I was that energetic, but I think I'm kidding myself. He has energy reserves I could only dream of having. I feel like I'm finally getting my dues for putting Qui-Gon through the ringer . . . and I'm not nearly his age yet. I only hope that if I take another Padawan after Anakin, he's not nearly this energetic or I'm sure I won't survive."
Siri laughed. "I'm trying to picture a young boy just running circles around you, and it's not even hard to picture. You probably try to use profound quotes that you've read in dusty tomes to impart wisdom because you are just the worst like that."
"Well, thanks for your vote of confidence," Obi-Wan said dryly. "It's the support of friends like you that keep me going and why I know I need to keep saying quotes from old dusty tomes to help impart my vast wisdom to curb your boorish mindset."
"You'll impart wisdom after you stop being a stubborn gundark . . . so never," Siri replied sagely.
"Well, maybe you'll appreciate my wisdom more, Padawan Tachi, after I show you how truly lacking you are tomorrow," Obi-Wan said with a wry shake of his head.
"My dear Knight Kenobi, are you challenging me to a duel?" Siri asked, placing a hand on her chest in mock shock. "Well, of course I accept. I can't have you thinking that you're actually better than me now that you've been Knighted."
"Well, Padawan Tachi, tomorrow I will just have to remind you that I've always been better than you," Obi-Wan said with a rare show of mock arrogance.
Siri grinned, already looking forward to the challenge.
"Master?" a groggy voice said, and Siri turned to see a blonde-haired boy, about nine years old, rubbing his eyes.
"I'm sorry, did we wake you?" Obi-Wan asked, sounding worried.
"No," the boy denied, though Siri could Sense the lie, and she smiled at the boy, who had already partially figured out his Master. "I just wanted . . . to get a glass of water."
Obi-Wan nodded and then quickly got up, moving to their kitchenette where he grabbed a glass and filled it with water for his young Padawan.
Siri observed the boy, whose presence shined like a beacon in the Force. She could see why Qui-Gon might have thought he was the Chosen One. She felt like the Force flowed at the boy's direction, rather than working through him like it did for the rest of them.
"Hello," he greeted her politely, though his face was scrunched up, and she figured he was trying to remember if they'd ever met.
"Hello," she returned the greeting. "My name is Siri Tachi. I'm a friend of Master Kenobi's."
"Oh," Anakin said with a nod. "I guess that makes sense," though then his head tilted and he eyed her speculatively. "Master Obi-Wan's never had one of his friends over this late . . . well except Master Kastor, though he cooks the best food, so it's great when he comes over."
"Master Kastor cooks?" Siri asked with interest, eyes widening as she glanced over to Obi-Wan.
"Yes, surprisingly well," Obi-Wan admitted.
"Yeah, his food is wizard," Anakin said. "He said that rations aren't good for me, so he comes by whenever he doesn't see us go to the dining facility."
Obi-Wan's face fell slightly, and she could feel the shame, knowing that it was something he was obviously struggling with when it came to caring for Anakin, though she could also sense gratitude towards Kastor. She couldn't blame Obi-Wan though. Qui-Gon had been terrible at making sure Obi-Wan received food when he was a young Padawan, the man often forgetting meals himself or relying on field rations to save time. Obi-Wan had often complained about it, but he must have gotten into the habit of eating when he needed it or going without more than he realized.
"He's been showing Master Obi-Wan how to cook too," Anakin continued. "He even had Master help him when he cooked tonight."
"Cooked tonight?" Siri asked with a frown, since she'd seen him not long ago grabbing food in the dining facility.
"Yes, he only cooked enough for Anakin and I tonight, saying that he had some impromptu plans tonight, but that the food needed to get cooked or it would go bad," Obi-Wan said, and Siri wanted to smile knowing that Kastor had made sure Anakin and Obi-Wan were taking care of despite his plan to meet up with her, not that she'd made plans with him. He always was two steps ahead of both her and Obi-Wan.
"His plans were with me, but I'll admit that I didn't plan to eat with him," Siri said with a shake of her head. "I just got back a few hours ago, you see," she explained to Anakin, "and really didn't make plans with anyone, since I really didn't know who was around."
"Oh, and that's why you came over to visit later in the evening!" Anakin exclaimed, putting the pieces together.
"Yes, that's why," Siri said with a nod. "Being a friend to Obi-Wan means knowing that you have to look out for him," she told the young Padawan seriously. "He'll move mountains for you, but tends to forget himself."
Anakin nodded seriously, seeming to take her words to heart, and she smiled when Obi-Wan coughed.
"I didn't know he turned down cooking a meal for himself to eat with me though," Siri said, turning back to Obi-Wan. "I guess I owe him one because I would have eaten alone without him."
Obi-Wan smiled wanly, seeing through her ruse. "Yes, perhaps we can both pay him back with a meal while we're all here in the temple? I'm sure between you and I, we can make something somewhat edible."
Siri chuckled and shook her head, though appreciating the rather roundabout way of asking her to his quarters for a meal. "I'm not so sure of that. It sounds like you've gotten some lessons from Master Kastor, but I'm afraid that is far more than I've gotten."
"Maybe you should both just ask Master Kastor to help you," Anakin said thoughtfully. "Then you don't have to worry about the meal turning out bad."
"You impertinent brat, you're just worried about your portion of the meal," Obi-Wan said with a scowl, though eyes bright with humor, and Anakin and Siri both grinned, realizing that Obi-Wan had used Qui-Gon's familiar insult.
"Well, I'm just following Master Kastor, Master Che, and Bant's guidance, Master," Anakin responded cheekily. "They said I should avoid rations when I can."
"Oh, they only said that because they don't like rations," Obi-Wan responded with an eye roll.
"You only say that because Qui-Gon tricked you into liking rations," Siri muttered, and Obi-Wan sent her a playful glare and she grinned back before she sighed. "I should probably get some rest and let you both get some rest as well, especially since I heard you had an eventful day," Siri finished with a smirk.
Obi-Wan gave a rueful chuckle as Anakin blushed. "I guess I'll just have to try and impart my wisdom to you in the dueling ring tomorrow," he said, and Siri met his challenging eyes eagerly.
"Oh I can't wait for your abundant wisdom," she replied sarcastically, and she saw Anakin looking between them speculatively again, but she didn't really think much of it as she waved goodbye to the duo and walked out of their quarters in good spirits.
*The Will of the Force*
Siri eagerly walked into the Training Room in the afternoon the next day ready for a challenging duel with her best friend. She'd had a few classes in the morning, but as a Senior Padawan, there weren't many classes that they did as groups, especially since they were all so often gone on assignments. More often it was a set time when Padawans in the Temple would receive guest lectures from Knights and Masters who would impart some advice or wisdom on them in some field or another or it was dedicated time to tell your own stories to your fellow Padawans and pass on what you might have learned with your Master or on some assignment.
She observed the room which had a fairly large share of people practicing with their lightsabers, though that wasn't surprising. The Training Room was generally busy during the day, with so many either needing or desiring to improve their lightsaber abilities. Apprentices often felt like it might be one of the main ways to impress a Knight or Master to take them on as their Padawan and Padawan's and Knights knew they needed to improve their skills in order to fulfill their roles as Jedi.
Looking around, she finally saw Obi-Wan and unsurprisingly Kastor was near him and to her surprise and delight, young Anakin was also present happily chatting away with his Master and Kastor. Perhaps this would be a chance for her to get to know Obi-Wan's apprentice a little better, plus Kastor being around meant they had someone who could help them all improve with a lightsaber.
She moved over to their trio, Obi-Wan turning towards her as she approached, and she felt a small rush of warmth and satisfaction to see his eyes light up upon seeing her, knowing she was one of the few people to see that type of openness out of him.
"And here I thought that you weren't going to show," Obi-Wan said playfully. "I almost thought I might have actually frightened Siri Tachi."
"You wish, Kenobi," she retorted. "I just wanted to give you a little more time for you to preserve your dignity, and I'm glad I did, since now I'm afraid that I'm going to have to make you look bad in front of your Padawan."
Anakin giggled, and she winked at him.
"Oh, I'm afraid it won't be my dignity that will fall today, my dear, though I'll admit I'm struggling to remember a time when you had any dignity to lose," Obi-Wan said ruefully, his eyes gleaming with mirth.
Siri scowled at him, rather surprised he had actually managed to get one up on her in this battle of wits and internally she vowed to thrash him in this duel.
Kastor chuckled, moving between them. "Alright, young Anakin, you be the coach for your Master and provide him the pep talk he needs to win, while I'll do the same for Siri here, and then we'll let their blades do the talking."
"Alright, Master Kastor," Anakin said before nearly dragging Obi-Wan into 'their corner' while her friend laughed at his eager Padawan.
"So, what incredible advice have you got for me, coach?" Siri said with a smirk and Kastor rolled his eyes at her.
"I really shouldn't, but I think I'm going to enjoy watching Obi-Wan take you down a peg," he replied, and Siri's jaw dropped in outrage.
"What? What kind of kriffing pep talk is that?" Siri asked, affronted.
Kastor grinned. "A bit of hard truth. It's been a while since you last dueled him, if I remember correctly, and I think you are about to find out that Obi-Wan has come a long way since then, and we both know he was already very good. Now he's on the path to becoming truly great. Your forceful attacks aren't going to help you against him anymore."
Siri's eyes widened a bit, truly hearing what Kastor was saying. Sure it had been a while since they'd dueled, but had Obi-Wan really improved that much since then? He had already been one of the best of the Padawans. It was hard to picture him vastly improving on that, especially since they'd always been fairly even, and while she knew she'd gotten better, she doubted Kastor would be calling her abilities on the cusp of greatness.
"Watch him closely and not only will you get your best chance of besting him, but you might even learn something," Kastor said with a sly grin and then moved off to the side to stand near Anakin who was looking eager for the duel.
Knowing that heeding Kastor's advice was paramount, Siri assumed a ready position in her traditional Ataru form. While she had been working on Makashi quite a bit more, she was still best with Ataru and she figured she needed to be at her best against her friend.
Obi-Wan assumed his own pose directly opposite from her, but while she had stuck to the form she was best with, he now held the ready position for Soresu. Siri's eyes narrowed thoughtfully. She knew he had considered working on Form III, but she didn't realize he'd actually put real effort into it. He hadn't the last time they dueled.
All Initiates/Apprentices received a basic introduction to Forms I through VI with Master Drallig, Master Yoda, or other rotating instructors, and then usually focused on a specific form after becoming Padawans, often choosing whatever form their Master favored. Thus, adapting to a new form while not complicated to learn the specific katas for each form, was usually challenging to become competent in, since it involved often going against whatever ingrained habits and instincts the Padawan had used with their first preferred form. Obi-Wan choosing to start with his new form told Siri that he was confident in his new skills.
Deciding that with him using Form III, she needed to be the attacker, so Siri rushed forward, Obi-Wan's blade connecting with hers before she used the Force to somersault over Obi-Wan and then swing at his back, which he easily avoided, ducking low and spinning away.
Knowing she needed to continue to strike until she found an opening, she started unleashing a flurry of strikes, while occasionally using the Force to help propel her around Obi-Wan trying to knock him off balance, but he continued to thwart her, patiently and skillfully parrying or dodging all her strikes, carefully controlling his movements.
She had never known her friend to hold her back with such control . . . such ease. He was using Soresu like it had been designed for him. She realized what Kastor had been trying to tell her. He'd obviously studied Form III to a much greater extent than she would have thought, but also at some point in his studies, something must have just clicked and he was now using the form to an astounding degree. From a bystander's viewpoint, she knew there were small mistakes that he made and other improvements he could still work on, but against her and most other Jedi of either of their stations, he would stand strong. His Ataru roots combined with his exceptional physical state meant that he had the speed and dexterity to keep up with anything she could send at him, and his analytical and methodical mind along with his perfectionist methodology meant his defense was nearly impregnable against her Form IV.
Obi-Wan smiled at her, and she blinked in confusion as he then quickly went back to his Ataru roots, jumped over her and spun around forcing her back and off balance as he then went low and kicked out his feet, knocking her to the ground. Obi-Wan quickly moved forward and with a swift flick of his wrist, Siri's lightsaber was removed from her hand, and his blade jutted forward, stopping short of her chest.
She stared up at him in surprise, but she couldn't nor would she want to stop the pride that rose up in her for how powerful her friend was becoming, and she saw his eyes soften and look at her tenderly as he felt her pride flow through their bond.
Ever the gentleman, he removed his lightsaber and offered his hand, which she took as he helped her to her feet.
"That was wizard, Master!" Anakin said eagerly, breaking their silence and they both forced their emotions down and returned their faces to that of friends and colleagues having enjoyed a duel.
"Yes, it really was most impressive," Kastor said, as he smiled at them. "Both of you."
Siri glanced at him, wanting to smack the smug grin off his face, though she did appreciate his compliment, and nodded her thanks, feeling the truth of his words come from him in the Force. Then she turned back to her friend.
"When did you finally commit to mastering Form III?" Siri asked, with interest.
"Maybe half a year before Naboo, I started dedicating time to it," Obi-Wan admitted. "A little bit here and there. Master Revan's holocron was helpful, since Form III along with Form IV were the two forms he mastered first and used before eventually adapting his skill with both forms to master Form VI. After he fell, he picked up Form VII, but he said he stopped using it once he was redeemed," Obi-Wan shook his head. "In either case, I started working on it with the holocron's help a few months before Naboo, but I didn't really start committing my full efforts until after Naboo," Obi-Wan finished, his voice slightly softer at the end.
Understanding hit Siri as she realized something in the duel with the Sith Warrior must have changed Obi-Wan's mindset and made him dedicate most of his efforts towards Form III. Qui-Gon had been a master of Form IV and had lost, and she was sure this effort had a little to do with that. His grief and desire to deal with it by staying busy had resulted in impressive results in his new form.
"Well, I have to admit that you have gotten very good," Siri said before trying to bring some levity to her friend, "but don't think you're going to catch me by surprise like that again. I'll get you next time."
Obi-Wan grinned. "We'll see about that."
"We can see about it right now," Siri retorted back, backing back off to her starting position, and she was happy to see the competitive glint back in Obi-Wan's eyes as he grinned and did the same, which sent Anakin and Kastor back to the sidelines, though Siri could see Kastor now pulling Anakin away, likely so the boy could get some instruction of his own, rather than just watch them.
Siri, now knowing a bit more of what to expect from Obi-Wan, was a bit more cautious in assault as they continued to trade back blows over the next hour and she was pleased that she didn't lose every match, though it was both humbling and frustrating how many of the matches she did lose to someone who was once her equal.
"Alright you two," Kastor said, after they finished their sixth duel. "I think it's time to get this young one some dinner," he said with a grin, nodding over at Anakin whose face was covered with sweat from whatever exercises Kastor had been putting him through.
"We'll go clean up and then we can meet you both in the dining facility in a half hour or so?" Obi-Wan half stated, half asked.
"No, let's show him a little bit of Coruscant tonight," Kastor said, much to Anakin's obvious delight. "How about we take him to Didi's cafe?"
Obi-Wan smiled and nodded, and she could feel a hint of eagerness coming from him. She knew that Didi's Diner was one of his local favorites, and only part of that was because of the great food.
"Does that work for you, Siri?" Obi-Wan asked, turning to her, and she smiled and nodded.
"I think Bant got back earlier today," Siri said. "We should see if she wants to join us, and I know Garen's still here at the Temple."
Obi-Wan nodded eagerly and pulled out his comlink to contact her. Siri laughed when an audible squeal and affirmation was quickly responded to after he got in contact with Bant, and it wasn't long after before Garen also agreed to dinner.
"I'll send an invite to Adi, assuming there are no complaints?" Kastor said, with a quirk of his eyebrow, quickly receiving shakes of their heads.
*The Will of the Force*
An hour later found the small crew of Jedi walking into the greasy but wonderful smelling diner.
"Obi-Wan!" a voice called out as Obi-Wan led them in and he grinned seeing a woman a little older than himself running towards him, nearly knocking over a chair in her haste, as her pretty face bloomed into a smile and her dark hair bounced.
Obi-Wan braced himself as Astri threw herself into his arms and he hugged her back firmly feeling her curls brush his cheek, remembering when such displays of emotion would have made him feel very awkward.
She, and her father Didi, had both taken Qui-Gon's loss very hard when he'd told them roughly a month ago, a few days after returning from Naboo. They'd been on a short list of people that he felt deserved to be notified sooner rather than later and in person if possible since they'd been good friends and informants to both Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan.
She drew back and glanced behind him and brightened even further, if possible. "Oh, you brought friends today! Siri! Bant! Garen! I swear it's been years since Obi-Wan last dragged you all here together!"
Siri smiled cordially, always having liked the girl, but never having been quite as open with people as Obi-Wan was . . . or Bant was, as she now hugged Astri with a beaming smile. Then again, everybody loved Bant. Siri wasn't at all surprised to see a flirtatious wink from Garen that Astri rolled her eyes at, but smiled goodnaturedly, her eyes sparkling with joy.
"Kastor, are you looking after Obi for us?" Astri asked reproachfully as she approached the man, who nodded seriously, his eyes betraying his mischievous emotions as she hugged him as well, something that did surprise Siri a bit.
"Now, I'm afraid Obi-Wan needs to make a few introductions," Astri said, throwing Obi-Wan a reproachful look glancing at Anakin and Adi.
"Ah, yes, I'm sorry my friend," Obi-Wan replied gravely before he smiled. "This is Master Adi Gallia, Siri's Master."
Astri bowed respectfully to Adi who always did seem more respectful and aloof than Obi-Wan or Qui-Gon could manage, like many people thought Jedi should be and yet didn't want them to be.
"And this young man is my Padawan, Anakin Skywalker," Obi-Wan introduced and Astri's eyes danced, likely remembering when Qui-Gon had introduced Obi-Wan to Astri and Didi.
"It's a very great pleasure to meet you, Anakin," Astri said with a smile. "You've got yourself a great Master. You'll have to look out for him though. He tends to forget himself."
Anakin grinned. "That's what Siri said!"
Astri's eyes brightened and she shot Obi-Wan and Siri both a gleaming look that he did not like, but thankfully she didn't push further into that subject.
"Are you all hungry? I made a delicious casserole today or maybe you'd like our nerf burgers?" she asked, beaming.
"We are definitely here for one of your wonderful meals, though with new people, we'll probably let them take a look at the menu," Obi-Wan responded, and then said a bit quieter, "though you can definitely count me in for the casserole."
Astri's eyes danced as she smiled and nodded and she guided them over to a booth big enough for their group and then provided some menus for their group.
"It's nice to see some things never change," Siri said fondly, glancing over at where Astri had nearly tripped, almost dumping food over the customers that had ordered it. Obi-Wan remembered when she wasn't so happy the time Astri had tripped and dumped her tray of food all over Siri. Though, Siri had been hard-pressed to stay mad when Astri had been nearly crying while apologizing and trying to clean her up.
"Yeah, Astri and Didi are pretty consistent," Obi-Wan agreed.
"You must have come here a lot to get hugs like that from her," Anakin said, looking at them curiously, and Obi-Wan figured his Padawan was rather surprised at how exuberant a hug he'd received let alone how much emotion he'd let out while hugging her back.
"We come here often enough when on Coruscant," Obi-Wan confirmed, "but a lot of that familiarity comes from having known her for a very long time. Her adopted father was a good friend of Qui-Gon's, and she helped me save Qui-Gon many years ago."
"Naturally he leaves out that he saved all of our lives on that same day," Astri's voice broke through Obi-Wan's story, her eyes rolling fondly as she delivered drinks for their table. "My father and I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for Obi-Wan," she said to Anakin and then walked off leaving a slightly red-faced Obi-Wan, much to his friends' amusement, and his Padawan's curiosity.
"I always thought she had a bit of crush on Obi-Wan when they were younger," Siri stage whispered to Anakin, causing the boy to grin wickedly as Obi-Wan glared at her as Bant, Garen, and Kastor all chuckled and Adi rolled her eyes.
"If I had known your intuition was that bad back then, I never would have trusted you to help me out with anything," Obi-Wan retorted and Siri's eyes narrowed.
"That's rich, coming from the quintessential gundark that you are," Siri shot back.
"Alright children, let's play nice," Bant scolded, though her lips were twitching towards a smile, and it didn't help that Anakin was eagerly watching the bickering with a wide smile. "I would have hoped you'd gotten this out of your system while dueling today, but I guess that was too much to ask for."
"We might just have to lock them in a storage room," Kastor said with a sad sigh. "We'll probably only see one of them survive, but the problem will be solved."
"That's probably true," Adi said sagely, surprising the group. "Though, I'm not sure either of them would survive, but then again, that would still solve the problem."
"Master!" Obi-Wan and Siri both exclaimed, Obi-Wan in shock, Siri in outrage and betrayal, and the Tholothian Jedi Master's eyes shone with rarely seen mischief.
Dinner passed pleasantly with discussions varying between their most recent missions, news in the Senate, important events going on in the Galaxy, or discussions on certain studies or Force techniques. Anakin was the quietest of the group, being the least familiar with everyone at the table, save Kastor, Obi-Wan, and Bant who had been around often enough since he came to the Temple, but he lapped up everything they talked about, asking questions whenever something caught his interest.
The group finished dinner and then gradually returned to the Temple, Bant and Garen taking their leave not long after, Bant getting a hug from Siri, Anakin (half-reluctantly), and Obi-Wan before turning in, leaving Obi-Wan, Siri, Anakin, Kastor, and Adi.
"Adi and I have some work to do, so I think this is where we part ways," Kastor said with a half smile.
"Anything you need me for, Masters?" Siri asked, her brow furrowed, which told Obi-Wan that she wasn't tracking any future mission for her and Adi, especially one that might require or at least have Kastor with them.
"No, no," Adi said, waving her hand easily. "Kastor just needs my knowledge and experience for a mission that he's taken on. You enjoy your evening, Padawan."
Siri nodded, her face clearing, though Obi-Wan could feel her confusion through the bond, which meant that she didn't believe Adi's claims. Obi-Wan stayed out of it, knowing it was a matter between her and her Master, so he along with Siri and Anakin bid the two Masters a good night, watching as they walked down the corridor towards Kastor's quarters.
Obi-Wan didn't really want to turn in, rather loathe to end his time with Siri, but he knew it was time for Anakin to turn in, whether the boy liked it or not, and as his Master, it was his job to make sure it happened, so he smiled at Siri, prepared to wish her a good night when he heard her through their bond.
'I'll meet you on the roof in an hour.'
Rather happy that she didn't want to end the enjoyable evening either, he sent his affirmation through their bond and then he made his excuses, which drew a groan from his young charge before Siri ruffled his hair, received a smile in return, and they started walking back to their quarters.
Obi-Wan thought about his upcoming meet up with Siri, something that both thrilled him . . . but also made him incredibly nervous. He was certainly happy to spend more time with one of his best friends, especially since with their occupation, one never knew when they might see each other in person again. The issue was . . . he knew they were very close to crossing the line between friends and more. In the moment, he was just as active in pushing their bond and relationship as she was, but when apart, reflection made him wonder if it was wise.
He knew that they probably wouldn't be able to go back once they crossed that line. Their bond along with their inherent attraction to each other pretty much assured that. They'd possibly be able to find a new normal if a relationship didn't work, but it wasn't likely, which meant crossing the line could lead to the end of their friendship and their bond, something he was loath to lose.
Kastor had told them to rebuild their friendship, something which Obi-Wan felt that they had done quite well. If anything, they had become closer over the past two years since Kastor's awakening than they had been back as Padawans, often talking over comms or through messages while away on missions, and spending a good deal of time together when both present at the Temple. The question was, had they rebuilt it enough and even if they had, should they even attempt furthering their relationship?
Kastor said he saw their bond being very important to the future, but Kastor had also told them not to worry or focus on what he had seen of the future. Regardless, Kastor had not said that he saw romance in their future . . . or at least he hadn't outright stated that was the way he saw their bond. He'd told them being friends might be all they can handle. To Obi-Wan, reading between the lines, that meant that Kastor saw some futures with them together, and some with them simply as friends. Which ones were worse or better? Which might lead to a breaking of their bond or not?
In addition, the Council was allowing them to explore their bond as they wished for now, but like Kastor had warned, there was always the possibility that the Council reversed its decision which would force them into the position of either hiding their bond or breaking it, and even if they chose to hide it, the Council would likely keep them far apart regardless of their decision. Obi-Wan wasn't necessarily against defying the Council in this instance, since he had experienced how attachments could make life fuller, but he didn't necessarily want to defy the Council, if it could be avoided, and he didn't want to put his bond with Siri at risk . . . not again.
"I really like Siri," Anakin's voice cut through Obi-Wan's musings, and he turned his attention back to his young Padawan.
"Is that so?" Obi-Wan asked.
"Yeah, she's fun," he said with a nod. "I'm surprised you haven't mentioned her."
"Why's that?" Obi-Wan asked curiously at Anakin's statement.
"Well, you two seem really close," Anakin said with a shrug. "You've certainly seemed . . . well, a bit better since she got back," he finished a bit more hesitantly, and Obi-Wan felt some more shame and annoyance at himself for letting his grief be that noticeable to the boy.
"Yes, we are close," Obi-Wan answered a bit quietly. "She's one of my best friends, and we've known each other since we were both apprentices, like you. Though, back then we didn't always get along, and sometimes couldn't stand each other," Obi-Wan finished with a chuckle, remembering their sometimes-bitter rivalry.
"What changed?" Anakin asked curiously.
"Well, she realized some assumptions that she'd made about me were incorrect, and my opinion on her changed as we were forced to work together and eventually, we just became friends," Obi-Wan said simply. "Master Qui-Gon and I went on several missions with her and Master Adi, and of course, we often had classes together here at the Temple, and the more we worked with each other, the more we realized we enjoyed each other's company, but also we enjoyed the challenge," Obi-Wan finished with a chuckle.
"Yeah, you two bicker a lot," Anakin said with a grin.
"Yes, well, Siri is a very stubborn being," Obi-Wan said primly, amused at his young charge's dubious eyes, likely wanting to point out that Obi-Wan himself was very stubborn.
Anakin must have finally found the courage to ask what he'd been wanting to ask because his face changed to one of curiosity.
"Do you love her, Master?" Anakin asked, and Obi-Wan had to consciously control his face from showing shock at that question, and then quickly rifled through his mind for an appropriate answer for his young Padawan, one that wouldn't be against the Temple's teachings, even if he didn't necessarily agree with them, but also something that wasn't a lie.
"Yes, I do," Obi-Wan said hesitantly. "I love all my friends in different ways. Love itself is not inherently bad, my young Padawan, but it must be tempered. I do love my friends and Siri specifically more than I should, but at any point in time, I must be prepared to let them go, to not let attachment stop me from doing my duty, even if that duty might result in losing someone I care about."
"I thought Jedi aren't allowed to love?" Anakin said with a confused look.
"In a way, Jedi are encouraged to love, since compassion is a fundamental part of our Order. Attachment, however, is forbidden, and personal commitment and interpersonal love are forbidden," Obi-Wan said, inwardly cringing at his words, knowing he himself wasn't following that particular edict. "My love of my friends comes from our shared experiences, the trust between us, and the knowledge of our shared commitment to the Jedi Order, but by the Code, I cannot act on it. There aren't many Jedi that I think would ever argue that they don't struggle with a little bit of attachment, especially when it comes to bonds of friendship, but as Jedi we need to make sure that such bonds do not prevent us doing what is needed, from following the will of the Force. It is one of the hardest lessons to learn as a Jedi, and I don't know many Jedi that do it perfectly, but in this path we are traveling, there is no guarantee that everyone survives every mission," Obi-Wan explained, thinking of Master Giiett's death and how it had affected Master Plo in particular, "so we must always be prepared to say goodbye to our friends and still be able to carry on."
"So, Jedi aren't supposed to feel sad when their friends die?" Anakin said with a frown. "Jedi have to be willing to let their friends die?"
"There will always be a time for mourning," Obi-Wan said softly. "It's certainly no secret that I mourn the loss of Qui-Gon, as do many of my friends and others in the Order, including Master Kastor, Master Yoda, and even Master Windu, though you may not see it. That mourning cannot stop you from doing your duty, and you cannot fear facing the chance that you may have to mourn the loss of a friend or comrade. It's not about being willing to let their friends or colleagues die, it's about knowing when you have to be willing to let them do their own duty, even if it means that you won't see them again."
"But, how do you know when you need to let a friend go? Maybe you could have done something, maybe there was another choice?" Anakin argued.
"Maybe," Obi-Wan agreed sadly. "The answer isn't always simple, Anakin. Sometimes the choice made might be the wrong one, or sometimes there are no good choices. You won't always have time to spend trying to come up with a plan that keeps everyone safe, especially since often that is impossible to achieve. Sometimes, even with the right plan, things go wrong. We're not all powerful. As Jedi, we have our missions and our duty to protect others, even if that means not always protecting each other. Siri, Bant, Garen, Reeft, Quinlan, Master Kastor, Master Adi . . . they all go on dangerous missions all the time, and each one might be their last, just as going to Naboo was my Master's. I let them go each time we say goodbye just as they do to me. All we can do is live in the moment and trust in the Force."
Obi-Wan smiled softly at his Padawan who had a very pensive face, likely trying to grapple with Obi-Wan's words and how he agreed or disagreed with them. Anakin, like Obi-Wan, struggled with attachment. The difference between them is that Anakin hadn't grown up in the Temple, constantly being taught how to let go, knowing that any mission could be a Jedi's last.
Anakin might not fully understand his words yet, but Obi-Wan was sure he would eventually. In either case, trying to explain things to Anakin had helped Obi-Wan resolve his dilemma with Siri. He just needed to do what his Master had always told him . . . what Kastor had constantly told him. He needed to let the Force guide him, and he was sure things would work out.
*The Will of the Force*
Siri wasn't surprised that she was the first of them to get to the roof. With a Padawan, and one as energetic as Anakin, she figured getting him to bed and then getting out to meet her might take longer than he intended.
It was a beautiful night, the lights of Coruscant shining brightly and reflecting off the windows of the many skyscrapers. The temperature was perfect, and despite the bustle of the always busy city, she found it peaceful.
"Sorry I'm late," Obi-Wan's voice came, and she smiled as he approached softly and sat next to her.
"I understand," Siri answered, as she scooted closer to him, resting her head against him as he wrapped one arm around her. "It was nice catching up with nearly all of our friends."
"Yeah, we were just missing Reeft and Quinlan," Obi-Wan agreed.
"And I like Anakin, though he's definitely going to keep you on your toes," Siri said with a grin.
Obi-wan chuckled. "That he is. He had a question about you for me, after we parted."
"Oh?" Siri asked.
"He asked if I loved you," Obi-Wan said quietly.
Siri felt her heart skip a beat. "And?" she whispered.
"I told him I did," Obi-Wan said simply, and she felt warmth rise up along with nerves knowing that which they had left unspoken was now in the open. "I also had to be a good Master and tell him that personal love is forbidden by the Code. I really didn't like lying to him, even if it's by omission of not admitting that I'm breaking the Code."
"I'm sorry about that, Obi," Siri replied softly. "Maybe someday we won't have to lie to him, if we can prove to the Council that this works without falling into darkness . . . and for what it's worth, I love you too."
She could feel Obi-Wan's smile.
"I'll admit I was a bit nervous about the direction we were heading . . . worried about ruining our friendship," Obi-Wan said with a sigh. "I was nervous about this, until now, generally unspoken bond, but then I talked to Anakin and decided I needed to listen to my own words."
Siri pulled away from Obi-Wan slightly and turned to look at him.
"What words?" she asked, her heart racing.
"I told him to listen to the Force," he replied with a soft smile as one hand came up to cup the side of her face. "We keep getting closer, and yet I've never felt any resistance or censor from the Force, only approval. Our bond just keeps getting stronger with every little meeting like this, every message we send to each other while parted, and if that isn't the guidance of the Force, then I don't know what is."
Obi-Wan leaned in and Siri leaned forward, meeting him in a tentative kiss which became surer as they both felt how right it felt. Siri and Obi-Wan broke their kiss, but leaned their foreheads into each other, smiling. Finally, they turned back to the Coruscant skyline, Siri snuggling back into Obi-Wan's embrace as they enjoyed each other's presence and enjoyed the feel of their bond dancing in the night